Applying for a new job can be nerve racking, particularly in a down economy. While the competition for many positions is fierce, it is even more so in some fields of academia and science. Sometimes getting a job offer in one of these sought-after fields has as much to do with who you know as how much you've accomplished in your career. That has led many applicants to give themselves an edge over the competition by putting together CV's with impressive lists of professional recommendations. Here's how to use your references to your best advantage.

Understand the difference between a resume and a CV (curriculum vitae) to make the best use of your references. In the United States, the two terms are used interchangeably, but when applying for academic, scientific or research posts, the term CV is used exclusively. The formats for each type are actually different. Whereas the resume will be tailored to fit specific job descriptions, the CV is a complete list of a person's work and academic history, including information about conferences attended and research papers published. Therefore, an appropriate reference on a CV would reflect the totality of your work, not just your job history.

Study and compare CV's written by people in your field. Even within academia, certain fields gravitate toward specific kinds of CV's. This will also dictate whether or not you should include references on your CV.

Ask for feedback about your CV from professionals--particularly department heads--at the university you attended or people within your industry. Keep in mind that this information should remain current because you'll want a current CV to submit with your academic papers and to conferences where you'll speak.

Let people know that you'd like to include them in your list of references. Then it will come as no surprise when they get a call about your professional history together. Many colleagues also find it helpful for you to put in written form how you met them, the papers that you've written together and how long you've been at your current position. While most people remember this information, it's good to remind people of information they may have forgotten.

Follow the format that most academics use for their resumes and include references at the end of your CV.

Be sure to include all the contact information necessary for your references. Standard information includes the person's full name, title, institutional address, telephone number, address, email and fax number. Ideally, you should have two references on your CV (or available on request).

Strengthen your chances of getting hired by not only including a list of references on your CV, but also by sending along reference letters in your application packet.